Early- to mid-career professionals share thoughts about the cost of living, professional development, career pathways
Childcare, affordable housing, affordability, building community, and keeping career passion alive. These were just a few of the hot topics raised by young professionals during the first meeting of a new group sponsored by Nonprofit Westchester (NPW).
NPW’s NextGen Affinity Group, a new space for early- to mid-career professionals across the nonprofit, business, and government sectors, was created to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and cultivate the next generation of civic and professional leaders in Westchester County.
“At NPW we’ve discovered that beyond networking, young professionals are interested in career development and a place where they can explore common concerns among their peers,’’ said Amy Rivera, NPW Communications Director and the brainchild behind NextGen. “NextGen is an opportunity to build skills while connecting with others outside your profession that can lend a fresh perspective.’’
During the first session at NPW offices at Taxter Road in Elmsford, more than 50 young professionals, including lawyers, social workers, bankers, and other nonprofit professionals, met to explore what they wanted to get out of the group.
Young professionals surveyed during the event said they wanted professional development opportunities. Leadership workshops, networking events, and mentorship were the most popular choices, particularly for recent college graduates. Public speaking, leadership development and time management were also emphasized as key skills along with interpersonal skills, given the increase in remote work.
The most common quality of life concerns were affordability, housing prices, and how quality of life has affected young professionals’ choice of career, with most participants agreeing that salaries were not keeping pace with the cost of living. They suggested that employers need to offer benefits such as housing subsidies and childcare to offset the salary gap.
Their concerns echo what young professionals 25-35 are saying in recent national surveys.
According to a 2025 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey, roughly 46 percent of millennials said they do not feel financially secure, with more than 50 percent of young professionals reporting that they live paycheck to paycheck. More than one-third said they struggle to cover their basic monthly living expenses. As a result, more than 50 percent say they are delaying major life decisions like buying a home, marriage, or having children due to finances.
Avery Zuvic, Chief Financial Officer for United Way, one of NextGen’s sponsors, who attended the program said, “Strong communities depend on strong relationships and engaged leadership. This initiative creates meaningful opportunities for young professionals to connect, share perspectives, and become more involved in shaping the future of Westchester. United Way of Westchester and Putnam is proud to support a program that encourages civic engagement, new ideas, and long-term community impact.”
Other sponsors included 9I4 Inc./Westchester Magazine, Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office, Hudson Valley Credit Union.
Jack Martinelli, co-chair of NextGen, encouraged young professionals to join.
To learn about upcoming NextGen programs, visit Nonprofit Westchester – Home
NextGen Westchester, an initiative of Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), brings together emerging professionals to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and cultivate the next generation of civic and professional leaders in Westchester County. The program fosters networking, skill-building, and innovative problem-solving around the critical issues impacting our communities.
About Nonprofit Westchester
Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) is the county’s only membership organization solely dedicated to advancing the needs and interests of Westchester’s nonprofit sector, the people and populations served, and the nonprofit workforce. With a membership of more than 370 organizations, NPW represents a diverse range of missions—from human services and the arts to environmental advocacy and social justice. NPW provides a unified voice for the sector through advocacy, professional development, and the promotion of cross-sector collaboration to build a more equitable and resilient Westchester.
